Two basic principles to grasp about prayer:
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The principle that drives effective prayer:
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Prayer isn’t as as we
BIG POINT: The goal of fasting is to
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
• Share an undeniable answer to prayer that you have either experienced or witnessed.
Read Matthew 6:7-18 and 7:7-11; discuss practical information about prayer:
• What word(s) best describe(s) your prayer life? (e.g. authentic, lacking, mechanical, fruitful, energizing)
• Contrast praying and fasting wrongly with how Jesus taught us to pray and fast. What are some characteristics of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples?
• In which areas of life do you seek God’s help most? What are the areas in which you rarely ask for God’s help? What is the difference betweeen the two?
• How does Matthew 7:7-11 change the way you pray?
Read Ephesians 3:14-21 and discuss:
• Why are the phrases “for this reason” and “so that” helpful when praying? Do you normally pray generally or specifically?
• What feeds your belief that God is able to answer your prayer?
• Share the “impossible” prayer request or dream that, outside of God’s intervention or provision, won’t happen.
PERSONAL APPLICATION AND REFLECTION
• Begin to dream. Ask God to give you a holy imagination and the faith to begin praying specific prayers that only He can answer. Write down the dreams and ideas He gives you.
• Pray specifically, persistently, rightly, and expectantly.
• Look for God’s specific answers to prayer and don’t take it for granted when you see them. Give Him the glory and publicly share.
JOIN THE 21 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING CHALLENGE
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